Our research

We're searching for answers to some of childhood's diseases, conditions and issues. In addition to our four research focus areas (Aboriginal Health, Brain and Behaviour, Chronic and Severe Diseases, Early Environment), you can also discover more about specific research we're involved in and the technology we use.

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Different audiences rely on us for very different things. Whether you're a valued donor, curious professional researcher, inquisitive member of the public, or a corporate supplier looking to offer support - we've collated the resources you need.

Dr Melissa O'Donnell

Senior Research Fellow

Areas of research expertise: Child maltreatment and linked cross-jurisdictional data.

Dr Melissa O'Donnell is an NHMRC Early Career Fellow, a Psychologist, and Research Associate at The University of Western Australia.

Melissa completed her PhD in 2009 through the University of Western Australia. Her research uses longitudinal population data from the Western Australian Government Departments of Child Protection, Health, Corrective Services and Education which has been linked and de-identified through the Data Linkage Unit at the Department of Health.

This administrative data is being used to: investigate emergency department presentations and hospital admissions related to child abuse and neglect; determine the mental health and juvenile justice outcomes of children who have contact with the child protection system; and investigate the child, family and community characteristics which increase or reduce vulnerability to child abuse and neglect.

Melissa is a member of the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and the International Child Maltreatment Data Working Group.

Supports are needed for families with children with disabilities to assist in meeting the child's health and developmental needs, but also to support the parents in managing the often more complex parenting environment.

Developmental Pathways and Social Policy team

Our Developmental Pathways and Social Policy Team uses Western Australia's rich datasets and advanced linked data capability to provide researchers and government with much needed evidence and information for ground breaking population level research, and decision making.